Spain’s New Invoicing Rules: What Lanzarote Bars, Restaurants and Customers Need to Know Before 2027
Businesses across Lanzarote are preparing for one of the biggest changes to Spain’s invoicing system in recent years, with new rules due to come into force from 2027.
The changes are designed to make invoicing more transparent and reduce tax fraud by requiring businesses to use approved invoicing software that creates secure, traceable records. While some social media posts have suggested that free drinks and complimentary shots will be banned, that isn’t actually what the new legislation says.
Instead, any drink or food provided without charge must still be properly recorded in the business’s accounting system.
What Is Changing?
Spain is introducing the VeriFactu invoicing system, which forms part of wider anti-fraud measures being rolled out across the country.
For businesses using electronic invoicing software, every invoice and receipt will need to be generated using certified software that creates a secure digital record. These records cannot be altered without leaving an audit trail, helping the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) verify transactions more easily.
Does This Mean Free Drinks Are Illegal?
No.
Bars, restaurants and hotels in Lanzarote can still choose to offer:
- Complimentary welcome drinks
- Free birthday shots
- Staff drinks
- Promotional cocktails
- Drinks included in special offers
The difference is that these items must be correctly recorded in the business’s invoicing system rather than simply ignored or left off the books.
When Do The Rules Start?
The rollout depends on the type of business.
Current implementation dates are:
- 1 January 2027 – Companies that pay Spanish Corporate Tax.
- 1 July 2027 – Self-employed businesses (autónomos) and many smaller businesses.
Will Tourists Notice Any Difference?
For most visitors to Lanzarote, probably not.
Holidaymakers should still be able to enjoy happy hours, complimentary drinks and special promotions exactly as before. The biggest changes are happening behind the scenes, where businesses will need to ensure every transaction—including promotional items—is correctly recorded.
Some customers may notice future receipts containing additional information such as QR codes generated by the new certified invoicing systems.
What Does This Mean For Lanzarote Businesses?
Bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels across Lanzarote should already be speaking with their software providers to ensure they are ready before the deadlines.
Businesses using outdated point-of-sale systems may need to upgrade to software that complies with Spain’s new regulations.
Preparing early could help avoid last-minute disruption as the deadlines approach.
The Bottom Line
Despite some misleading headlines circulating online, Spain is not banning free drinks or complimentary shots.
The new rules are focused on improving the accuracy and security of invoicing, ensuring that every sale—or complimentary item—is properly accounted for using approved software.
For tourists visiting Lanzarote, it’s expected to be business as usual. For hospitality businesses, however, 2027 will bring important changes to how invoices and receipts are created and stored.
